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Shadow of the Cat

Name: Shadow of the Cat
Director: José María Cicala
Released: 2021
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2021

Director

José María Cicala

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Shadow of the Cat emphasizes individual ability to act over traditional hierarchical structures. By focusing on Emma's autonomy, the film challenges patriarchal control in a domestic setting. The diverse international cast and unique setting contribute to a more globalized cinematic experience. However, the film lacks specific LGBTQ+ representation and does not address disability issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Shadow of the Cat have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or relationships. The story centers around a father-daughter relationship and the search for a maternal figure.

How does Shadow of the Cat portray gender?

Fair

Emma exhibits strong ability to act by defying her father and pursuing her own path. This challenges the passive female character stereotype in thrillers.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shadow of the Cat?

Good

The predominantly Spanish-speaking cast and the inclusion of Danny Trejo bring a globalized texture to the film. This helps the movie move away from the typical Anglo-Saxon setting.

How does Shadow of the Cat represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story critiques the stability of the nuclear family through a daughter's search for her mother. Set on an isolated farm, the narrative exists outside mainstream Western institutions.

Does Shadow of the Cat include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Emma's autonomy disrupts traditional patriarchal clichés.
The Spanish-speaking cast brings a globalized cinematic texture.
The narrative explores non-traditional family structures and isolation.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation.
There is no visible portrayal of disability.
Racial dynamics among characters are not explored.

Official Synopsis

Gato lives on a remote farm with his teenage daughter Emma where without even basic communications tools they’re entirely cut off from the outside world. But once Emma comes into possession of a phone, she’s contacted by a party claiming to be working on behalf of her mother, who her father claimed abandoned her at birth. Infuriated, Emma heads off on a journey of self-discovery to reconnect with her mother, all the while Gato and his best pal Sombra (Danny Trejo) race to rescue her from the grim fate she’s unknowingly heading towards.

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